The Best Street Food in Asia and Africa

There’s no better way to experience a city than through its food. Here are my top five street eats from some of the top cities in Africa and Asia.

Pani Puri in Mumbai, India

Shriti Bannerjee / Project Bly

These crispy little spheres of goodness belong to the “chaat” family of food—savory treats typically served street-side in India. This variety from Mumbai is stuffed with potatoes, chickpeas, onion, cilantro, and chutney, and then filled with a spicy water (the “pani”). Pop one in your mouth and let the flavors explode.

Laksa in Malacca, Malaysia

David Hagerman/ Project Bly

I love me a bowl of laksa—my dreams are made of this stuff. While I was in Malacca, I started each day with a bowl of Nyonya laksa from Nancy's Kitchen. This spicy coconut soup is made with baby clams or karanga, dried shrimp, chili, and a lot of love.

Plov in Bukhara, Uzbekistan

Theodore Kaye/Project Bly

After a hot, dusty morning exploring Bukhara, an ancient city on the storied Silk Road, there’s only one thing you should eat: plov. Cooked over an open fire in a large pot called a kazan, traditional rice plov is made with carrots, onions, and meat and topped with your choice of quail eggs or horse sausage (if you’re adventurous). I like to think that plov was served the same way centuries ago to the weary caravans that passed through this trading town, laden with treasures from China.

Bun Cha in Hanoi, Vietnam

Ehrin Macksey/Project Bly

Bun Cha is one of Hanoi’s culinary masterpieces. These grilled pork patties are served with vermicelli noodles (a thin variety of rice noodle), fresh herbs, and a delicious tangy dipping sauce made with ginger, fish sauce, vinegar, and chili. Head to Dac Kim on Hang Manh Street in the Old Quarter for a meal you won’t forget.

An Egg Sandwich in Marrakech, Morocco

Shantanu Starick /Project Bly

Djmma El Fnna, the main square of Marrakech, is filled with food stalls selling everything from snails simmered in salty brine to skewers of merguez sausages. But there is nothing tastier in this food mecca than the humble egg sandwich. Yes, trust me on this one. A loaf of crispy, freshly baked bread or kobz, stuffed with potatoes and eggs slathered in olive oil with some salt and pepper—all for under $1—is one of the most satisfying meals you’ll ever eat. Add a little harissa for some heat, and wash it down with fresh orange juice.